Pet Education Archives

3 Easy Safety Tips for Walking Your Dog in the Snow and Cold

It’s cold out there, and the forecast is calling for plenty more on the way. This time of year, it’s essential to ensure your furry friend stays safe and comfortable during outdoor adventures. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can pose challenges for dogs, but with a little preparation, you can make winter walks enjoyable for both of you. Here are three easy things to keep in mind as you venture out this season.

Protect Those Precious Paws

Your dog’s paws are especially vulnerable during winter walks. Snow, ice, and salt can cause burns, abrasions, or discomfort. Consider using paw balm, wax, or booties to protect their sensitive pads. Trimming the fur around their toes can also prevent painful ice balls from forming. After your walk, wipe their paws clean to remove any harmful substances they might have picked up.

Keep Your Dog Warm

Just like us, dogs feel the drop in temperature, especially smaller breeds or those with short hair. A cozy winter coat or jacket can help keep them warm and comfortable on walks. Pay attention to their behavior. If they seem hesitant to stay outdoors or shiver, it’s a sign they may need extra protection from the cold.

Avoid Hidden Dangers

Be cautious about ice, ice-melt chemicals, and snow. These can be slippery, toxic, or harmful to your dog’s health. Additionally, avoid letting your dog eat snow. It may contain hidden hazards like salt, antifreeze, or debris.

With these precautions, you and your pup can enjoy the beauty of winter while staying safe and comfortable!

Winter Weather Warning: Antifreeze Dangers

By Joan Eve Quinn, Program Director

Old man winter packs a punch of frigid weather risks for pets and antifreeze poisoning is among the worst of them. HEALS wants everyone to know that when a pet ingests antifreeze (ethylene glycol or EG) it’s a medical emergency that can result in acute kidney failure and death.

“Time is of the essence! Antifreeze is rapidly absorbed in the pet’s body and causes irreversible damage in hours,” warns Dr. Jason Berg, HEALS Chairman of the Board.

EG is a toxic chemical most commonly used in car radiators. However, it can also be found in some household items, including snow globes, eye masks, inks, and certain paints. Unfortunately, EG has a pleasantly sweet taste and may even create a warm feeling when it’s swallowed. Pets may be attracted to its flavor, because they’re curious, or if their water bowls are frozen over.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the first signs of antifreeze poisoning occur within 30 minutes to 12 hours and include:

“Walking drunk”
Drooling
Hyper-salivating
Vomiting
Seizures
Excessive thirst and urination

Twelve to 24 hours after a dog or cat has gotten into antifreeze, the initial signs appear to resolve, but underlying internal damage continues. Elevated heart rate, increase breathing effort, and dehydration may start to develop.

In cats, the following stage occurs 12-24 hours after getting into antifreeze. In dogs, this stage occurs 36-72 hours after severe kidney failure secondary to calcium crystals forming in the kidneys. Severe lethargy, coma, depression, vomiting, seizures, drooling, and lack of appetite may occur, states the Pet Poison Helpline.

Even a very small amount of antifreeze can be deadly. Because the first signs of toxicity appear to resolve after a while, this serious illness can initially be misdiagnosed or not taken seriously enough.

According to MSPCA-Angell, cats are more susceptible than dogs. The minimum dose that’s lethal in cats is roughly 3 milliliters (mls) per pound body weight. For dogs, 9-14 mls per pound body weight may cause death. Fatality rates for EG intoxication reported by top veterinary schools range from 44–70% for dogs and 78-96% for cats, states MSPCA-Angell.

Fortunately, you can protect your pets by taking the following steps:

Close all antifreeze containers tightly and keep them out of sight.
Be aware of any spills, big or small, and clean them up promptly and completely.
Purchase pet-safe antifreeze, which is somewhat safer, but it’s still best to keep pets away from any and all chemicals.
Keep cats safely indoors!
Keep dogs on a leash or in a safely fenced-in area.
Be aware that pets can easily find antifreeze leaks in parking lots, driveways, and garages, on streets and curbs where cars are parked, and on farms and near garbage dumps.
Make sure outdoor pets always have non-frozen water available.

HEALS advises you to learn where your nearest 24/7 veterinary emergency facility is located and keep the phone number handy. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, seek veterinary medical attention immediately. For more information, you can call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Thinking About Buying Health Insurance For Your Pet?

By Joan Eve Quinn, Program Director

HEALS urges pet owners to consider purchasing health insurance for their furry family members. Having a pet health insurance policy in place to cover visits to your family veterinarian’s practice—and at advanced 24-hour specialty and emergency hospitals—can help tremendously in times of financial and emotional stress.

A pet health insurance plan can be especially valuable in multi-pet households. Certain specialized procedures and therapies, such as orthopedic surgeries and chemotherapy treatments to fight cancer, tend to be quite expensive. In many cases, the insurance company reimburses you for a large percentage of the costs as determined by your plan’s coverage allowances. Usually, pet owners pay the veterinary practice fist and subsequently receive reimbursement from the insurance company.

We recommend buying a policy early in your pet’s life to maximize the benefits you’ll receive. As pets age, benefits often decrease and pre-existing conditions may be excluded. A good approach would be to discuss the topic with your primary care veterinarian during your new pet’s first wellness visit.

HEALS Chief Executive Officer, Bernadette Vinci, MS, LHEP, urges pet owners to buy insurance if they can afford it, but she also offers a less costly alternative. “If you can’t afford the premiums, you can start a pet savings account with automatic deductions from your paycheck if you’re currently employed. But that can be somewhat risky since you never know when a pet will become ill or injured and those veterinary bills can quickly mount up. So insurance gives you better peace of mind,” she added.

The marketplace offers a broad array of pet health insurance policies. Quite a few websites allow you to compare coverage and pricing across a wide range of plans. Research and compare carefully; coverage options and out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, premiums, and co-pays, vary greatly and exclusions may apply.

If you need help to pay for dog or cat veterinary services–or for any other type of pet–insurance can make it possible for your animal companion to receive appropriate treatment and supportive care. To help you decide whether pet health insurance is right for you—and for buying advice—here’s an article from trusted, unbiased Consumer Reports:

https://www.consumerreports.org/pet-products/is-pet-insurance-worth-cost/

A Pet For a Holiday Gift?

– What you need to think about before making that forever purchase –

(Brewster, NY) How much is that doggy in the window? What could be a better holiday gift–a puppy or a kitty cat! Dr. Jason Berg, DMV, DACVIM, Chairman of the Board of of HEALS, and founder of Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster NY, feels strongly that that people who are thinking of getting a pet for the holidays need to put time into this decision before deciding to add a furry friend to the family. This is a huge holiday gift purchase as well as a financial and emotional commitment for up to twenty years.

Dr. Berg says move slowly and think about the following:

Are you and/or your family ready for a pet?

What age dog is best for you and/or the family

Depending on the size of your apartment or house what size dog would be most appropriate?

Is there a backyard or will the dog need to be walked?

Is adoption, breeder or local pet store the way to go?

What are the financial implications that are involved with pet ownership?

What is involved in preparing for a new pet and taking care of a pet in the long term

Who will be responsible for pet care/walks/feeding during the day?

What are the pros and cons of purchasing a pet insurance plan?

No one ever wants anything to go wrong with their new family member, but it happens – when to seek emergency veterinary care.

Be aware of the signs of parvovirus, a serious disease that can affect puppies.

Traveling with pets or boarding them – how to decide, prepare and prevent contagious diseases.

“There is nothing better than adding a dog or cat to our lives, but there are so many people out there who are dealing with emotional and financial distress,” says Dr. Berg. “HEALS was founded because many people can’t afford the veterinary care and the financial surprises of having a pet. But, oftentimes, it’s a surprise because instead of researching the responsibilities of pet ownership, it may be a spontaneous purchase or adoption and people may not realize this is a long-term commitment.”

HEALS is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to saving pets’ lives by helping owners pay for essential veterinary care when they can’t afford it.

HEALS, a charitable 501c3 organization, was established in 2020 with the mission to end economic euthanasia and animal surrender due to an inability to pay. HEALS endeavors to keep pet owners who qualify for financial assistance and their pets together longer so they can enjoy a better quality of life. The non-profit was started because of a universal love of animals and an appreciation of the special sustaining bond that develops between pets and their owners. HEALS will be working with veterinary partners in New York – Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Dutchess Counties; Connecticut – Fairfield County and New Jersey – Bergen County. For more info. go to www.healspets.org.

Four-legged Companions and July Fourth

Patriotic pet lovers often like to include their perky (but never pesky?) companion animals in July Fourth festivities. While Independence Day brings joy, and pets add to that enjoyment, please know that quite a few well-honed holiday habits can be hazardous to your furry friend’s health. Because HEALS would like all pets to be kept safe and sound, we offer the following advice:

Dogs (and cats) and drinks don’t mix. While mixed drinks may enliven the spirits, never mix pets with alcohol. Keep all spiked beverages way out of their reach. If enough alcohol is consumed, pets could become intoxicated, weak, severely depressed or go into a coma. Even worse, respiratory failure and death could happen in severe cases of alcohol poisoning.
Light up the night but not with lighter fluid. If you must use lighter fluid, keep it far away from your pets. If ingested in high quantities, kidney damage can result. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin; it can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. In addition, certain types of matches could damage blood cells, resulting in breathing difficulty.
Mind Fido, felines and their food. During the holiday, it’s best to keep your companion animals on their normal diet. Cats and dogs have very sensitive stomachs that do best on a regimented and strict menu. Any change can bring about severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Certain foods can be toxic; some of the worst culprits are onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt, macadamia nuts, and yeast dough.
Forget the fireworks! Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for four-legged companions! There are so many other good ways to celebrate. For pets, exposure to lit fireworks can result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws. Unused fireworks can also pose a threat. Avoid taking pets to crowded outdoor events where fireworks will be the main attraction. Keep your furry friends safe at home in a quiet, sheltered, escape-proof area. More companion animals go missing during fireworks displays than at any other time of year as they try to escape the noise and chaos.

Hazy, Hot, and Humid? Hot Dog? Beware of Heatstroke.

The joys of summer are not without some serious caveats: Beware of the deadly risks of
heatstroke in your pets. It's been widely publicized in the last few years: Don't leave your
pets in a parked car–not even for just a few minutes–as temperatures rapidly rise. This life-
saving message bears repeating now: A parked car can heat up like an oven in a short
period of time in the very hot weather–putting pets at risk of deadly heatstroke.

Signs of heatstroke
Recognizing the signs and taking prompt action can help save your pet’s life:

 Body temperature of 104-110 degrees F
 Excessive panting
 Dark or bright red gums and tongue
 Bloody diarrhea or vomiting
 Staggering
 Stupor
 Seizures

Take quick action
These signs can progress to coma and death–so seek emergency veterinary medical
attention fast. If you are unable to do so, here are a few steps you can take in the meantime
to help your pet:

• Get out of the sun right away and get into the closest shaded area.

• Use cool–not cold–water to cool your pet down.

• Do not cool your pet down below 103 degrees as they can become too cool too quickly
and this causes more harm.

• You can offer ice to your animal, but don't force them to eat or drink if they aren’t
interested.

Seek veterinary assistance ASAP
However, after taking those steps, if your animal is cooled and appears to be fine, don’t
assume everything is fine–because it’s not! Internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and
brain can be affected by the body temperature elevation your pet experienced. A veterinary
examination and blood work will be needed to make sure your pet is really okay.

Hot tips
 If you see an animal locked in a car in the heat, immediately call the local police or
animal control officer and/or the store manager (if it’s in a mall or retail parking lot).
 If you are traveling with your pet and need to stop, use drive-up windows and shop
at stores that will allow you to bring your pet inside.
 Walk your dog in the early morning and later evening hours when the temperatures
are not as high.
 Bring water and a portable pet bowl should your pet get thirsty while out in the hotter
temps.
 Remember, as the saying goes, “If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pets.”

HEALS hopes that the only hot dogs you’ll have this summer are on the grill and the only
strokes you’ll see are the swimming kind. Remember to keep the phone number of your
nearest veterinary emergency facility handy. Enjoy the coveted season and stay safe!

HEALS is one of the best animal charities to donate to. Your donation provides financial
help for pets in need of life-saving veterinary care–when their owners truly can’t afford it–
right here in your own community. If you need help to pay for dog or cat veterinary care,
contact us at 914-996-0001 or email info@healspets.org.

For the Love of Kitties, Leave the Lilies Alone

By Joan Eve Quinn, HEALS Program Director

Who’s not thrilled to see happy flowers popping up their cheerful heads after a long, cold winter? In particular, lovely-looking lilies start appearing everywhere at this time of year, both indoors and out, especially as the spring holidays approach. The Easter lily, an alluring trumpet-shaped flower with waxy white petals and a distinctive scent, is a perennial favorite.

Cats and lilies don’t mix!

But these pretty plants can be fatal to felines. These flowers don’t come with warning labels–but maybe they should! Who knows what might pique the interest of our feline friends? Kitties that are bored, curious or attracted to a different texture or unusual scent may be tempted to taste the new lily plant addition to the home.

Beauty can be dangerous

Easter lilies can cause acute kidney failure in cats, which is very serious! Some other lily culprits include:

Tiger Lily
Rubrum Lily
Stargazer Lily
Red or Wood Lily
Asiatic Lily
Japanese Show Lily
Day Lilies

Any Lilium or Hemerocallis species should be considered potentially poisonous to cats. Calla Lilies and Peace Lilies, which are common houseplants, can cause mouth and GI tract irritation. Lilies of the Valley, omnipresent outdoors in springtime, can cause heart arrhythmias.

A few other popular spring flowers that are dangerous to cats include daffodils, hyacinths, azaleas, and tulips.

Dog owners should be wary as well. “Dogs can have some gastrointestinal upset from ingesting lilies as well as some other flowers, but it won’t result in any fatal complications,” advises Dr. Jason Berg, board-certified veterinary neurologist/internist and HEALS Chairman of the Board.

Signs of lily toxicity in cats

Signs of poisoning develop quickly. Initial signs can appear within two hours of ingestion and include vomiting, refusal to eat, and lethargy.

Initial symptoms may subside, but don’t be fooled. Cats will become symptomatic again within 24-96 hours as kidney failure develops. These later signs can include:

Increased thirst and urination
Vomiting
Depression
Dehydration
Oral ulcers and uremic breath
Hypothermia
Increased respiration rate
Slowed heart rate

Life-saving veterinary treatment

The onset of kidney failure can be prevented with aggressive veterinary treatment within six hours of ingestion. Treatment includes inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal products. This therapy is followed up with intravenous fluids for at least two days. If medical treatment is delayed for longer than 18 hours, kidney failure will develop. If not treated, death will occur in as little as three to seven days. Lily toxicity is to be taken very seriously!

The safest bet

It’s best not to purchase lilies of any type indoors or outdoors if you own a cat. But even if you don’t purchase lilies, keep all flower arrangements out of the reach of curious kitties. If your me-ew likes to chew, try some fresh cat grass or catnip plants, which are available at most pet stores.

If you think your cat may have gotten into a lily plant, seek emergency veterinary medical attention immediately! Know where your nearest 24/7 veterinary clinic is located and keep the phone number handy. For further information on this subject, you can contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

Would you like to donate to help save animals? HEALS is one of the best, most effective animal charities to donate to. Your gift provides financial help for pets in need of life-saving veterinary care–when their owners truly can’t afford it–right here in your own community. If you need help paying for dog or cat veterinary care, contact us at 914-996-0001 or email us at info@healspets.org.

Gift Your Pet Some Love – But Not Chocolate on Valentine’s Day!

By Joan Eve Quinn, Program Director

Valentine’s Day delivers a joyfully warm respite from the cold winter chill. It’s also a good excuse to binge on sweet treats–chocolate being among our favorites.

From tiny tasty truffles to tall table-top sculptures, who doesn’t wish they had some chocolate right now? But it has a dark side for our pets: Chocolate and many other candies can cause stomach discomfort at the very least and serious illness–and even death–at the very worst. Even some familiar flowers pose a risk.

To help keep pets safe this Valentine’s Day, HEALS issues this all-four-paws alert for some common products that may be harmful:

Chocolate: Yes, it’s delicious, but the problem is your pets may think so too. You’ve seen how persistent pets can be when they’re trying to raid the yummy stuff: Sneaking into closed rooms, knocking packages off counters, and ripping wrappings open. The amount and type of chocolate–in relation to your pet’s weight and general health condition–will determine if chocolate toxicity will develop. Chocolate can cause gastrointestinal upset as well as life-threatening heart arrhythmias.
Xylitol: A naturally occurring sugar alcohol, xylitol is found in many popular candies. For pets, ingestion of this ingredient can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and in the worst cases, liver failure. Dr. Jason Berg, board-certified veterinary neurologist/internist and HEALS Chairman of the Board, warns “Xylitol is a deadly product found in candy and common snacks that are often given to pets, such as peanut butter. Make sure you read all ingredients in snacks and food before you give it to your pets.”
Calorie-laden dinner: Fatty and rich foods are simply not good for pets. Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea and, in some cases, very severe illness.
Flowers: Many types of flowers and other greenery are highly toxic to pets if ingested. Some of the most toxic examples include:
Lilies can cause kidney failure
Amaryllis can cause vomiting and depression
Tulip and narcissus bulbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation
Oleander can cause heart arrhythmias
Cyclamen can cause vomiting and death
Autumn crocus can cause multi-organ damage and death
Foreign bodies: You never know what’s going to look like a tempting toy or treat to your pet. Even Valentine’s Day detritus left lying around, like wrapping paper and ribbon, can potentially cause a problem. Foreign material can sometimes lodge in the gastrointestinal tract, causing life-threatening obstructions or perforations.

HEALS urges you to seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect that your pet has eaten something that may be harmful. Know where your nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital is located. Keep the phone number handy and call ahead.

Valentine’s Day should be like a walk in the dog park. So take this to heart: Keep the sugary treats well out of your pet’s reach. Let there be lots of head butts, tail wagging, kisses, love, and pet-safe goodies instead!

For more information, you can call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 and research a comprehensive list of toxic plants at www.aspca.org.

HEALS is one of the best animal charities to donate to. Your donation provides financial help for pets in need of life-saving veterinary care–when their owners truly can’t afford it–right here in your own community. If you need help paying for dog or cat veterinary care, contact us at 914-996-0001 or email info@healspets.org.

Keep Your Pet Safe and Happy this Labor Day!

We hope you’re as excited as us for Labor Day weekend! Labor Day is a fantastic long weekend to spend time outside with your friends, family, and of course — pets! As we are all off to our destinations today, let’s not forget to take the necessary precautions to make sure that our pets are safe and comfortable during all Labor Day festivities.

The number one thing to be concerned with for any summer holiday and your pets is the heat.

When you’re outside with your pets, make sure that they ALWAYS have access to shade and fresh water. Never leave your pets unattended for long periods of time in the heat, and be sure to keep the air conditioning on throughout those extra hot days. Also, always watch out for signs of heat stroke. They include but are not limited to vomiting, tremors, or inability to walk. If you notice any of these symptoms, do not wait. Contact an emergency vet immediately.

We urge you to never leave your animal loose in your car.

Many of us will be getting into our cars for a road trip this morning. We urge you to never leave your animal loose in your car. The safest way to travel with your pet is with a kennel that is securely fastened with a seatbelt or seat saver. Also, Never leave your pet alone in a hot care — even if you are parked in the shade or have your windows open. Your car creates an oven-like effect that will make it hotter than the outside environment.

If you are attending a cookout, be weary of what you furry friend may get into.

Many of our favorites can be extremely harmful for our pets. Alcohol, grapes, chocolate, onions, certain nuts or even dairy items can be extremely toxic to our pets (just to name a few). Also, watch out for corn on the cob or cooked bones of any kind! Dogs are known to choke on large pieces of corn cob, and cooked bones can do severe damage to a pet that may ingest them.

Be ready for fireworks.

If you are ending your night with a display of fireworks, do your best to secure your pets somewhere quiet and safe. It is best to be with them until the loud noises are over. Fireworks are known to cause pets to take off and run away — even if your animal may never otherwise do so.

Have fun this weekend, and keep these tips in mind! Our pets are members of our family, and it is very important to always consider their needs and best practices for these kinds of scenarios.

Stay Safe on St. Patrick’s Day: Keep Alcohol Away from Animals!

By Joan Eve Quinn
HEALS Program Director

Four-leaf clovers, luck, and leprechauns lurk on the horizon as we march towards St. Patrick’s Day. A bright kelly-green break from the winter doldrums, parades, and parties are heading our way. For many, the cheerful celebrations historically include the alcoholic beverage of your choice. Party in style and with good sense!

While you’re looking for that pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow, be sure to keep your pets away from all alcoholic beverages. They can become seriously intoxicated and get very sick very fast from drinking even a small amount! This is called alcohol toxicity.

Alcohol toxicity can result from consuming many substances, including:

Ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages)
Cough syrup
Raw bread dough
Isopropanol (found in rubbing alcohol)
Methanol (found in windshield wiper fluid)

These alcohols are quickly absorbed in the pet’s body within 20-30 minutes. Such ingredients can even be absorbed through the skin of small pets when alcohol-based sprays are used.

Signs of illness caused by alcohol intoxication generally occur within just 30-60 minutes of intake and include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Ataxia (manifesting as a “drunken” gait)
Disorientation
Dull mental status
Difficulty breathing

In severe cases, the following serious conditions can occur:

Coma
Hypothermia
Seizures
Heart arrhythmias
Hypoglycemia
Death

Veterinary care must be sought immediately as a medical treatment for decontamination is usually only effective in the first 20-40 minutes after the alcohol is consumed. The good news is that prognosis can be very good with aggressive treatment, depending on the amount swallowed.

If you believe your pet has ingested alcohol, please seek veterinary emergency help right away. Know where your nearest 24/7 veterinary emergency clinic is located and keep the phone number handy. You may also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

This St. Patrick’s Day, kissing the Blarney Stone may not be practical for everyone. But kissing your pet is! HEALS wishes you a safe and happy celebration and may the luck of the Irish rise up to meet you.